Hempstead Turnpike Victim's Family Featured in 'Walk Safe' Video

Lauren Davis was a senior at Division Avenue High School when she was struck and killed by a car on Jan. 1, 2009.

According to Newsday [paid link], Davis' family got together last week in order to appear in a public service video stressing the dangers of crossing roadways in Nassau County.

They and friends and family members of other young people killed while crossing two of Nassau County's busiest roads -- Hempstead Turnpike and Sunrise Highway -- participated in the making of a short educational film, "Walk Safe," aimed at middle school and high school students. It is being produced for Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano by film students at LIU Post.

"If this [video] affects a handful of students, or saves a few lives, that would be great," Lauren's sister Kelliann Davis told Newsday. "But young people should also think about how they drive, too -- not just cross. Driving fast, running lights -- it's not worth it. It's not just the people crossing, it's the drivers, too."

Hempstead Turnpike has been the site of numerous fatal accidents over the last few years and was ranked as the most dangerous road in the region earlier this year by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

Peter Thearle, a 19-year-old Levittown resident, was killed in June 2011 on the turnpike.

In April 2012, the life of another local teen, 16-year-old Anthony D'Alessandro, was taken as he attempted to cross Hempstead Turnpike near Division Avenue.